SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum for sensitive skin
Yuja Extract
Niacinamide
Glutathione
Arbutin
Licorice Root ExtractHigh
- HighNormal Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for sensitive skin; a few serums fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- This serum is highly suitable for your normal skin with sensitivity, as niacinamide and arbutin work effectively to brighten and even skin tone while also addressing blemishes.
- The inclusion of licorice root extract and peppermint extract further soothes redness and irritation, offering relevant benefits for your primary concerns.
- The product is safe for your skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients, minimizing the risk of irritation.
How to apply
- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 900+ reviewsThis serum is highly effective at brightening dull skin and fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, with users frequently noting its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and refreshing citrus scent. It is particularly well-suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. Some users with dry skin found it necessary to layer with a moisturizer, and a small number reported minimal results or slight irritation.
Highlights
Lightweight, fast-absorbing Mostly Mentioned
- “It's lightweight, absorbs instantly, and makes my skin feel hydrated all day.”
- “I love how quickly this serum sinks in - I don't have a lot of time to wait around in the mornings.”
- “It's super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and my sensitive skin hasn't reacted negatively to it at all.”
- “Its light, weightless gel texture absorbs instantly without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.”
Brightens dull skin Often Mentioned
- “My skin looks visibly brighter, too.”
- “I can definitely see it brightened my skin a lot and helped me reduce the redness of acne scars.”
- “When I started to use the product my skin is brighter and no more pimples.”
- “Yuja Niacin Blemish serum rejuvenated my dull, tired skin giving it a fresh dewy feel and look.”
Fades dark spots Often Mentioned
- “This serum brightened my dark spots and evened out my skin tone beautifully.”
- “I especially noticed a difference in those stubborn dark spots that seemed impossible to get rid of.”
- “The 82.3% Yuja extract has worked wonders in brightening my complexion and fading dark spots.”
- “Go to serum at night for fading blemishes, the right percentage of Niacinamide for my skin.”
Refreshing citrus scent Sometimes Noted
- “The product has a gel consistency and a refreshing citrus scent.”
- “It has a refreshing citrus scent that uplifts your mood whether you are using the serum during the day or at night.”
- “Good serum, has a nice scent!”
- “The refreshing citrus scent is just an added bonus.”
Minimal dramatic results Rarely Noted
- “My results are pretty minimal to be very honest. My acne scars are still present, my freckles haven't changed in the slightest.”
- “I did NOT have the results nearly as dramatic and drastic as SOME BY MI claims.”
- “The previous serums I've tried that have less drastic claims as this serum actually worked significantly better.”
- “I truly question the validity of all their advertisements about this serum as these results don't seem reasonably obtainable.”
Needs extra moisturizer Rarely Noted
- “Those with dry skin paired it with a heavier moisturizer for added hydration.”
- “I have dry skin and needed to follow up with a thick cream.”
- “It's lightweight but not moisturizing enough on its own for winter.”
- “Needs to be layered with other hydrating products if you have dry skin.”
Potential breakouts Rarely Noted
- “After using this serum for a few days, I got a few pimples.”
- “I wouldn't apply this over active breakouts due to potentially irritating ingredients such as peppermint extract and citrus peel oil.”
- “Vitamin C can sometimes trigger sensitivity in some people.”
- “Irritation potential: high.”
Sources: lovi.care, gopicky.com, lemon8-app.com, kbeautyhobbit.com, boniik.com.au, littlewonderland.eu, and more
Questions and answers
What makes SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Serum a great fit for sensitive skin?
This serum is a great fit because niacinamide and arbutin brighten dark spots while licorice root extract and peppermint extract soothe redness and irritation. It is also safe and unlikely to cause irritation because it leaves out harsh ingredients.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for sensitive skin?
This serum is a great fit because licorice root extract and peppermint extract help soothe redness and irritation, while niacinamide and arbutin brighten skin tone without causing discomfort.
What does Yuja Extract do for sensitive skin?
Yuja Extract helps calm dry and irritated skin while supporting a soft and smooth feel. It works to keep the skin barrier strong and well-moisturized, which is very helpful for sensitive types.
What does Niacinamide do for sensitive skin?
Niacinamide helps calm sensitive skin by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing redness and irritation. It is very well tolerated and may improve overall comfort and resilience with regular use.
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?
This treatment serum goes in the evening routine after your cleansing and toning steps, and before your moisturizer. It is safe for sensitive skin because it lacks harsh ingredients, which helps keep redness and irritation low.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following with your retinol once your skin has adjusted. Because both active ingredients can be strong, introducing them slowly helps prevent redness and irritation.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this serum in your evening routine, applying it after your toner and before your moisturizer. It is a great fit for your sensitive skin because niacinamide and arbutin brighten your skin while licorice root extract and peppermint extract soothe redness and irritation.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?
This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for sensitive skin since it is free from harsh ingredients that typically trigger irritation. Reviewers rarely report potential breakouts, and the gentle formula helps keep skin calm.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and linalool).
What the research says
Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90/Eudragit RL100 dissolving microneedle patches loaded with alpha-arbutin and resveratrol enhanced intradermal delivery by approximately 2.6 times compared to cream and slightly decreased the melanin index in human participants without causing skin irritation.
Biomaterials Science, 2023Citrus junos callus extract decreased melanin content in melanocytes 1.85-fold compared with arbutin and promoted the proliferation of and procollagen synthesis by human fibroblasts by 154% and 176% at 500 μg/mL.
Molecules, 2017Yuja-peel fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane, and butanol) inhibited MMP expression, induced moisturizing factors filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase, and decreased melanin content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT, HDF, and α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells.
Antioxidants, 2022Upcycled low-molecular-weight anionic peptides from Citrus junos seeds protected UVR-irradiated keratinocytes and reconstructed skin tissue by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing paracrine cytokines, inhibiting melanin synthesis and TRP-2 expression, and increasing filaggrin, laminin-5, and type I collagen expression.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Glutathione amino acid precursors effectively increase cellular glutathione levels, reducing oxidative stress, ATP depletion, and DNA damage in human keratinocytes, clinical subjects, and ex vivo skin compared to controls.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014Topical glutathione improves hyperpigmentation, reduces ultraviolet-induced erythema and wrinkles, decreases transepidermal water loss, and enhances antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025A non-hydroquinone topical formulation (SKNB19) improved hyperpigmentation by 28.5% in patient self-assessment and 27% in independent reviewer assessment compared with 4% hydroquinone in 18 adult subjects, while showing significantly less irritation and better tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Encapsulation of alpha arbutin in an optimized ethosomal gel significantly improved skin melanin reduction, moisture content, and elasticity in human volunteers compared to conventional formulations.
Heliyon, 2023Combining a home-based radiofrequency device and arbutin cream reduced mMASI scores by 25.6% and melanin index by 22.8% at 8 weeks compared to baseline in 38 participants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025
Ingredients
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Water, Trehalose, C12-14 Pareth-7, Carbomer, Citrus Junos Peel Oil, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Agrimonia Eupatoria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cellulose Gum, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Disodium Edta, Arbutin, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Glucose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Peppermint Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Panthenol, Glutathione, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Maltodextrin, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract Avocado Fruit Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pyridoxine, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Linoleic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Inositol, Limonene, Linalool
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
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Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
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Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
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Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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